NOCN Group featured in Monarchy & Democracy: A History of Leadership
Posted 6 July 2026
NOCN Group has been featured in Monarchy & Democracy: A History of Leadership, a commemorative publication celebrating organisations and individuals who have contributed to leadership, public service and social progress across the UK and Commonwealth.
The feature, Global Network of Employment, tells the story of NOCN Group's journey from its beginnings in Manchester in 1981 to becoming an international skills and qualifications organisation supporting learners, employers, training providers and governments in more than 30 countries.
It reflects on the origins of the Open College Network movement, which was created to help adults without formal qualifications access education, develop new skills and improve their employment prospects at a time of significant economic change.
More than four decades later, that commitment remains at the heart of NOCN Group's work.
Today, NOCN Group supports skills development across a wide range of sectors, including construction, engineering, manufacturing, education and the green economy, helping people gain recognised qualifications, progress in their careers and access new opportunities.
Graham Hasting-Evans, Chief Executive of NOCN Group, said:
"It is an honour for NOCN Group to be featured in a publication that celebrates leadership and public service. For more than 40 years, our focus has been on helping people gain the skills, qualifications and confidence they need to improve their lives and access new opportunities. While our organisation has grown internationally, our purpose remains the same. We believe that skills create opportunity, strengthen communities and support economic growth. That is as important today as it was when the Open College movement first began."
The feature also highlights NOCN Group's growing international presence and its work to support workforce mobility through qualifications, English-language assessment, digital credentialing and the development of the International Skills Passport.
As labour markets become increasingly connected, trusted ways of recognising and verifying skills are becoming more important for both workers and employers. Through initiatives such as the International Skills Passport, NOCN Group is helping individuals demonstrate their capabilities while giving employers greater confidence in workforce competence across borders.
The feature recognises NOCN Group's continued contribution to connecting skills, qualifications and employment opportunities, supporting individuals, employers and communities in an increasingly global workforce.
Find out more about our Skills Passport.